City

What you'll study

This HND combines traditional metalworking and hand skills with contemporary design, digital processes and professional development. Core study areas include:

• Metalsmithing and fabrication: hand tools, soldering, forming, forging and assembly techniques for precious and non-precious metals.
• Jewellery techniques: stone setting, ring making, hollow construction, finishing, surface treatments and repair.
• Casting and modelmaking: investment casting, sand casting, lost-wax techniques, mouldmaking and finishing cast components.
• Surface and decorative processes: engraving, chasing and repoussé, patination, enamelling and surface texture exploration.
• Computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM): digital design workflows, 3D modelling, rapid prototyping and integration of digital and hand processes.
• Design development and contextual studies: research methods, concept development, historical and contemporary contexts for jewellery and silversmithing.
• Professional practice and business skills: portfolio development, pricing and costing, marketing, exhibition and retail strategies, and client liaison.
• Major practical project: a sustained project that demonstrates technical skills, design resolution and professional presentation.

Delivery is studio-based with demonstrations, individual tutorials, workshops and assessed project work. Students typically build a professional portfolio and show work in end-of-year exhibitions. The course also encourages links with industry through placements, guest lectures and live projects.

Entry requirements

Typical entry routes include a relevant Level 3 qualification such as a BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma, an advanced apprenticeship, or A-levels with a strong portfolio of creative work. Applicants without formal qualifications but with demonstrable experience in jewellery, metalsmithing or a related craft are considered.

• Submission of a portfolio of recent practical work is usually required and will be reviewed at interview.
• Interview or practical assessment may be part of the selection process to assess technical potential and motivation.
• Passes in GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) are often required; accepted equivalents and mature-student routes are available.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of roles across making, design, retail and manufacturing. Typical career paths include:

• Independent maker / studio jeweller or silversmith, selling through galleries, online platforms and craft fairs.
• Bench jeweller, stone setter or repair technician within specialist workshops or retail settings.
• Jewellery designer for bespoke commissions, brands or production houses.
• CAD/CAM technician or modelmaker in jewellery and product design contexts.
• Production manager or quality control for small-scale manufacturing and ateliers.
• Sales, buying and product development roles in jewellery retail and wholesale.
• Further study: progression to a BA (Hons) top-up, postgraduate study, or professional qualifications and specialist short courses.

The course aims to equip graduates with both the practical craftsmanship and the business awareness needed to work freelance, set up a studio or join established workshops and companies.

Why study at City

Studying this HND at City offers an emphasis on studio practice supported by industry-relevant resources and teaching staff with professional experience. The programme balances traditional craft techniques with contemporary digital workflows, helping students to build adaptable skill sets.

• Studio-focused teaching in small groups enables detailed technical coaching and individual project supervision.
• Access to specialist workshops and equipment such as casting facilities, rolling mills, laser and torch work, and digital making tools to support a broad range of processes.
• Strong industry links, live projects and exhibition opportunities that help students develop professional networks and real-world experience.
• Support for enterprise and professional development, including portfolio preparation, pricing, marketing and routes into self-employment or further study.